Bulldogs in Second After 36 Holes at Ross Resorts Invitational

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -
The Yale women's golf team is only two shots back, heading into the final round at the Ross Resorts Invitational. The Bulldogs shot a two-round total of 620 (+44), placing them just behind Nova Southeastern, who shot 618 (+42). There is some separation between the Bulldogs and the third place Redbirds of Illinois State. The Redbirds shot 628 (+52), which puts them six shots behind the Bulldogs.

The Pine Needles golf course was relentless, as no player was able to break even after two-rounds. Sophomore Cassie Boles got the closest of anyone in the tournament. Boles shot rounds of 75 (+3) and 73 (+1), for a two-round total of 148 (+4). She is currently leading the tournament by two shots. Emilie Geury of Augusta State is at 150 (+6) and Stacey Miller of Illinois State is at 151 (+7).

The Bulldogs played consistent golf throughout the day, beginning with the first round of 18 in the morning. The Bulldogs shot 312 (+24), which put them in second place behind Nova Southeastern. The Sharks shot a round of 311 (+23) and were just one shot ahead of the Bulldogs, after 18. Boles led the Bulldogs in the morning with her round of 75 (+3), placing her in a tie for second place. Senior captain Natasha Spackey was in a tie for 13th, after shooting a round of 79 (+7). Also in that tie for 13th was sophomores Alyssa Roland and sophomore Harriet Owers-Bradley.

Yale's individual players had a strong morning, as well. All three players were in the top 20, after 18 holes. Junior Taylor Lee shot a round of 78 (+6), placing her in a tie for 6th with six other girls. Freshman Lily Boettcher joined Spackey and Owers-Bradley in the group that shot 79 (+7) and was tied for 13th. Senior Erica Im finished in a tie for 20th, after shooting a round of 80 (+8).

Heading into the afternoon, the Bulldogs turned it up a notch. They dropped four shots off their score, for a round of 308 (+20). Four of Yale's players managed to drop their scores, in a round which usually sees higher scores, due to fatigue.

"I think our mental games have a lot to do with why we are able to shoot low in the second round of a 36-hole day," said Boles. "Coach has really worked with us on staying in the present and treating every hole like it is the only one that matters. I would never shoot lower in the second round last year. I think our whole team's mental game has really improved from last year."

Boles managed to drop two shots off her score, for a 73 (+1). Maria Garcia Austt of Nova Southeastern and Britney Hamilton of WMU shot rounds of 78 and 80, respectively, dropping them out of the top two positions and allowing Boles to move into first.

Spackey and Owers-Bradley also dropped two shots of their scores, moving them into a tie for 11th. They each shot rounds of 77 (+5). Freshman Callie Kemmer threw herself into the afternoon mix, shooting a round of 81 (+9) to round out Yale's top four scores for the afternoon.

"We have got so much room for improvement," said Boles. "We struggled today around the greens. The greens are playing really fast, and people were having trouble getting a read on them. If we come out tomorrow and play up to our potential, we should not have a problem overtaking Nova Southeasetern."

The individuals, like so many in the field, struggled a bit in the strenuous second 18. Lee shot an 84 (+12) for a two-round total of 162 (+18). She currently sits in a tie for 25th. Im and Boettcher are tied at 29th, after shooting rounds of 83 (+11) and 84 (+12), respectively.

Barring a frost delay, the Bulldogs will tee-off for the final round at 8:30 a.m. Yale will try to overtake Nova Southeastern, while Boles tries to hold onto her lead.

"I have never been in this position before," said Boles. "I am trying not to think about it. I am just going to go out there and do the same things I did today."